With the advent of the automobile almost simultaneously came the advent of casting directors. Well known, powerful people about town who with one phone call could turn someone into a movie star, casting directors are the people who many envy, because they seem to be the gatekeepers to a life of fame and lavish riches.

The first casting directors were probably rather a dry lot, the pool of working actors was fairly small, and people would line up all morning for a chance to work on a movie. Most casting directors probably just helped arranged choices that had already been made by the filmmakers.

Casting directors can be sweethearts, and sometimes will give a person a chance if they have a good feeling about them, even though they may not be professional or read everything through smoothly. This element of occasional kindness is counterbalanced by an equal ability to be exceedingly cruel during the auditions process, sending some participants home in tears.